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Lacy: Money Was Issue In Decision

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By EDDIE DANIELS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 27, 2008

TAMPA - A day after St. Petersburg super middleweight Jeff Lacy said he was retiring, he revealed his reasons, saying the money offered to fight Jermain Taylor in November was "an insult."

Lacy said he was offered $500,000 to fight Taylor as Lacy prepared to face Epifanio Mendoza, whom he beat via a majority decision Wednesday night on ESPN2. After the Mendoza fight, Lacy said the purse was upped to $550,000.

"What do I look like fighting a fight of that caliber for $550,000 when I have more to risk than anything," Lacy asked. "I feel like Taylor needs me more than I need him and what do I look like fighting that fight for $550,000 and risking my life in there like I did Wednesday night because the referee is not on top of this guy hitting me in the back of the head."

According to Lacy, Mendoza repeatedly hit him behind the head, causing his two moments where he appeared hurt. That situation evoked thoughts of Oscar Diaz.

Diaz, 25, collapsed in the ring at the end of the 10th round July 16 and remains in a coma following brain surgery due to a subdural hematoma.

Following Wednesday night's fight, Lacy underwent a CT scan, which did not show any negative affects.

Keyword: Boxing for more on this story.

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